THE BELIEVER'S FREEDOM

Passage: 1Corinthians 10:23~11:1  

Key verse: 10:31


1. Seek the good of others (10:23-30)

Jesus' people must put Jesus first, others next and self last. Jesus set us free from sin and law, but we must use our freedom to build up others. We must respect the consciences of our brothers and sisters. Some may object to being bound by the conscience of another, but Paul challenges us to be responsible for our influence on others. Jesus said that it would be better to be thrown into the sea with a millstone around one's neck than to cause another person to sin (Mk 9:42). For the sake of others we can give up freedom to enjoy small pleasures.

2. Seek to glorify God (10:31-11:1)

Whatever we do, we should do for the glory of God. We should measure what we do- our eating and drinking, going and coming, speaking and remaining silent by one yardstick: 'Does it glorify God?' If we seek the highest good of others so that they may be saved and grow in Christ, this pleases God. We must follow the example of Paul, who followed Christ.


Prayer: Lord, help me to put you first, others next and myself last.

One Word: The glory of God; the good of others